Jets Mid-Week Wrap

Insiders NFL Scouts

09/17/2003

Practice notes and team news heading into week three of the 2003 NFL season.

--Few coaches know Jets quarterback Vinny Testaverde the way Patriots coach
Bill Belichick does. The two were together in Cleveland (1993-95) and New York
(1998-99). Belichick has seen plenty of what Testaverde can do and the veteran
quarterback says that no matter how hard he prepares, his former head coach will
always surprise him. "Each game with him and his defense is
always a battle," Testaverde said. "You know that what they show on film is
never going to be the same on Sunday. He never plays anyone the
same." --Before the Dolphins game last week, back-up running
back LaMont Jordan said he heard a very disturbing comment from a Jets fan - who
shouted that Jordan should be starting and the struggling Martin should break a
leg. Jordan has grown very close to Martin since joining the Jets in 2001 and
even though he loses carries because of the future Hall of Famer's presence,
Jordan was angered by the comment. "Don't say that about
Curtis," said Jordan, who has also struggled with the Jets' lack of a running
game. `The strength of our offense is around the running game. As a team we need
to collectively get this thing rolling and stop placing the blame on one man.
It's not Vinny's fault and it's not Curtis' fault." --CB Ray Mickens will start in place of the injured Donnie Abraham after playing as the
Jets nickel back for most of his career. Mickens, however, has never fared that
well as a starter. He's generously listed at 5-foot-8 by the Jets and he'll
definitely have trouble against bigger receivers. When the Jets play in nickel
and dime, Mickens will move to safety and Jamie Henderson will play
corner. --CB Jamie Henderson will see an increase in playing
time with Donnie Abraham out with a broken bone in his right shoulder. Henderson
has been an excellent contributor on special teams and will eventually be a
starting corner for the Jets, maybe as early as next season - or this season if
the Jets' secondary has another injury. When the Jets go to nickel or dime he
will play corner with Ray Mickens moving to safety. --S Tyrone Carter will play in the Jets dime defense. Carter struggled in the preseason and
in the first two games, primarily because he was trying to do too much and would
go out of position to make the big play.